Look out for malicious ‘anti-virus’ software.

Someone of you may be asking, what is Malicious anti-virus software or program? Well to make it short. This is also known as "Rogue AV". This involve internet web users being mislead into downloading and even installing the program into their computer without actuially knowing initial intention of the program, and then paying for the anti-virus program beofore the program can do the job that is actually malicious software in disguise.
So many computer users have been mislead into downloading this kind of fake malicious program into their PC and ask for payment and even cause damage and prevent them from access to their PC at times.

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What can AV malicious program can do if you fall into victim:

1) They trick you into paying them money in order to have full access to the fake program.

2) The program will mislead you into assiting them download malicious program into your PC, such as malware etc.

3)They will steal your vital personal data from your PC such as your credit card details and other bank account details.

4) They can also take full control of your PC in order for them to commit online fraud and crimes using your personal information ( Identity theft)

How do they do this?:

They do this, simply by tricking you into paying fake anti-virus program or a program that is available to users else where for free of charge on the net.

They sometimes persuade users to download "AV" that is in real sense a malware.

How does it work?

There are a number of scams criminals can use to trick you into downloading malicious AV software:

1) Cold calling – sometimes called ‘bogus IT helpdesk’ calls

2) Tricking webmasters into hosting malicious pop-ups on their websites

3) Unsolicited emails

Bogus IT helpdesk calls :–In these telephone calls, the victim of the scam receives a cold call from someone from some where around the World, pretending to be from a reputable IT company or software company.

The caller will then tells the victim of the scam about current IT risks and scams and offers to do a virus check on the vistim's PC. The caller talks them through this ‘check’ which can involve typing in simple commands to generate an ‘error’ message or running a scan that they download from the internet.

In any of this case, the out come is used by the caller (fake IT technician) to convince the recipient that they have a security threat or virus on his/her PC, and that the solution to the victim's problem is to install "security software or a patch".

Webmaster affiliate programs :- This is most common error or mistake that tempt many internet users now a days. Many Internet web users can be approached via internet web pop-ups on real and legitimate web sites such as yahoo or msn suggesting to the user that their PC is been infected with a computer virus or sometimes telling them that a free anti-virus scan can be done on the person's computer.

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The user will then be directed to a reputable-looking site which will prompt them to downloading malicious software which asserts to fix the current issues. These pop ups are distributed by criminals who incentivise webmasters to participate in what they believe to be a genuine affiliate marketing programme, in which they receive payment for every pop up that is clicked on.

Unsolicited emails :– Another avenue criminals use to target internet users is via unsolicited emails offering free security checks or advising that viruses or malware have been found on the user’s computer.

What are the risks?

• Loss of money by paying for ‘AV software’ that will actually compromise the security of your computer, or at very least is actually fake or available for free elsewhere
• Once malicious software is installed, fraudsters can take steal your personal information, putting you at further risk of identity fraud
• They can also use your computer to commit other online crime – this can have a knock-on effect on your friends and family who may receive scam emails and pop-ups which they look like they have been sent by you

How can I protect myself?

• Ignore any unsolicited calls or emails from companies offering free software checks on your computer. Reputable IT vendors will not contact you directly in this way without prior notice or a direct request.
• Be wary of any pop-ups you receive while navigating the internet which suggest your computer is infected with a
  
• Take basic steps to protect your computer, by installing genuine anti-virus nd other software.
• Victims of this scam should report it to Action Fraud http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/
  
• Or you can report it to IT support as soon as you realize this.